Australian local governments can now enter a new national award recognising transport and infrastructure projects that have converted Austroads guidance into practical community outcomes.
Austroads and the Australian Local Government Association have launched the inaugural Austroads Guidance to Impact Award 2027.
The award is open to councils, regional organisations of councils and joint council alliances across Australia.
Entries close at 11.59 pm AEST on Sunday, 28 February 2027.
What will the award recognise?
The award will recognise projects that have applied current Austroads guidance, tools or technical resources to transport and infrastructure challenges.
Eligible projects must demonstrate a measurable contribution to at least one nominated area. These include road safety, active travel, network and traffic planning, sustainability and climate resilience, infrastructure performance and innovation, or broader community outcomes.
Projects can be ongoing or completed and may be delivered by an individual council or a group of councils working together.
Why has the award been created?
Austroads said the award was designed to highlight the role local government plays in turning nationally developed guidance into action.
Councils are responsible for large local road networks and often deliver projects with limited budgets and resources.
Austroads Chief Executive Dr Geoff Allan said the award would showcase local innovation and practical problem-solving.
“The Austroads Guidance to Impact Award shines a spotlight on the innovation, leadership and practical problem-solving taking place across local government every day,” Allan said. “We know councils are delivering important projects, often with limited resources.”
He said the initiative was also intended to share lessons from projects that have delivered measurable results.
Why does local government transport work matter?
Local roads form a critical part of Australia’s freight and passenger transport networks.
They connect farms, warehouses, industrial areas, businesses and communities to major state and national corridors.
Council decisions on road design, maintenance, traffic planning and resilience can therefore affect safety, freight efficiency and regional productivity.
ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said the award would provide councils with a national platform.
“Local governments play a vital role in delivering the roads and transport infrastructure that communities rely on every day,” Burnett said. “This award provides a national platform to showcase the difference that work is making across Australia.”
What do entrants receive?
Councils entering the award will have an opportunity to gain national exposure for their projects and contribute to broader industry knowledge.
The winner will be invited to present the project through an Austroads webinar and at the ALGA National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress 2027. Finalists and the winner will also be recognised at the ALGA National General Assembly 2027.
Austroads said sharing successful approaches could help other councils adopt proven methods and avoid duplicating work.
“Importantly, the award is not simply about celebrating good projects,” Allan said. “It is about sharing lessons, highlighting effective approaches and helping others learn from proven experience.”
Who should enter?
The award is open to Australian local governments of all sizes, as well as regional council organisations and joint alliances.
Potential entries could include road safety treatments, freight route improvements, active transport planning, climate resilience work or new approaches to infrastructure management.
Submissions must show how Austroads material informed the project and provide evidence of the resulting benefits.
